How wide should the rough opening be for a 36" exterior door?

To determine the width of the rough opening for a 36" exterior door, it is important to account for the framing and any additional space needed for hardware, shimming, and proper installation.

Typically, the rough opening should be larger than the actual door size to allow for adequate clearance. The common practice is to add 2 inches to the door width. Since the door measures 36 inches, adding 2 inches gives a total rough opening width of 38 inches. This additional width ensures that there is enough room for adjustments during installation, such as aligning the door properly and leveling it.

It's also crucial to consider that some allowances might be made for insulation, weather stripping, or if the door has a specific thickness that requires extra space. Therefore, a rough opening of 38 inches provides the optimal size for a 36" exterior door installation.